Four Great Spring Tips

If you don’t have time for morning hunts, set the stage for afternoon. Get into an area early, and sit as long as necessary to flash-hunt the time when turkeys move from the fields to roosting areas. Don’t skimp on gear, either. Use high-tech seat cushions, folding seats and even portable blinds to stay comfortable until the closing bell. — Steve Hickoff When chasing farmland turkeys, pursue them like you would deer. Set up along travel routes or destinations the birds use often. It’s surprising how easy calling can be when you’re waiting along a preferred path or hiding where turkeys want to be. — Tom Carpenter

“When the woods are still wide open, and you can see a quarter-mile through the timber, a turkey can see a half-mile or more,” said Steve Stoltz, world-champion caller. “During conditions like this, I believe getting out too early to roost can do more harm than good. It’s very easy to bump turkeys in open woods and open country, and bumping a gobbler will automatically put him in a different mood. And since you’re doing this late in the day just before dark, the turkey won’t have enough time to get out of that mood before having to fly up, which in turn will pretty much spoil your chances of getting him roosted.” — Jim Spencer

When attempting to work a breeding flock of birds, start hen calling with no rasp. According to turkey pro Alex Rutledge, rasp indicates aggression, so he calls to the hens with soft, clear yelps to gain their acceptance. If you start with raspy calling, the hens might not like it and will move away. However, if they accept you as another turkey looking to join the group, they might work to your calling. — Brian Lovett